Nicholle,

Are you looking forward to Thanksgiving? I hope you enjoy some quality post-turkey naps and family gatherings! 

As you look forward to the Holidays, I hope you’ll carry that spirit of Thanksgiving ahead, from giving thanks to giving back! Here’s why:

Our VOA homes and centers are experiencing more struggling families and individuals to our doors. After desperate situations… they simply can’t afford rising grocery costs, and in some cases are forced to decide between keeping the heat on – or feeding their families. 

Thank goodness, our VOA responders are there with emergency support and other critical services for their relief and recovery. And thank goodness, for you. YOU are the heartbeat of our mission, and you make all we do possible for people in urgent need.

It’s going to take more this holiday season.

But we have even more ways for you to get involved and help fill this season with love and light for your neighbors in need.

Many Blessings,

President & CEO

VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas

What if you could buy pure joy for people in need in the same way you would a snack from a vending machine? Well, now you can!

This year, we are excited to be partnering with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the Light the World Giving Machine campaign. From Nov 24th to January 1st, we invite you to join people across the world in this effort to extend love and kindness to others. 

Light the World Giving Machines are in high-traffic areas of select cities worldwide. Each machine includes dozens of cards representing items needed by global and local nonprofit organizations, including Volunteers of America.

These customized red vending machines provide a unique, memorable, and fun way to assist the needy — around the block or around the world.

From November 24th to January 1st, Giving Machines will be located at a shopping center near you!

To learn more and join us for a special kick-off event at Ballston Quarter Shopping Mall in Arlington, VA, on November 28th, click the button below!

This year, Giving Tuesday is November 28th! This global generosity movement inspires people to give back. We proudly support this initiative, channeling donations to transform lives. Join us in making a difference, one act of kindness at a time by giving to VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas.

We are THRILLED that a group of generous friends of VOA are matching holiday gifts right NOW through Giving Tuesday and until December 31st – up to $35,000! Now your donated dollar multiplies:

2X warm meals

2X safe shelter stays

2X critical care

When you make your donation now, you’ll be the light and hope for twice as many men, women and children in your area this Holiday Season.

Please give generously this Giving Tuesday. Together we can do so much!

Every dollar you give this Holiday Season will go directly to the heart of your community to support people like Kevin Walsh.

Kevin is a former Army veteran living at our Paca House program in Baltimore. Paca House gives adults who have fallen on hard times and experienced homelessness a comfortable and fully furnished apartment to call their own and the care they need thrive.

"Paca House may not be the only place around. But it certainly was for me." – Kevin Walsh

Kevin's story is far from unique among veterans in America. He joined the military on Veteran's Day in 1980, became a vehicle repairman, worked tirelessly until he was 50 after retiring from service, fell on hard times . . . and lost everything.

That's when Volunteer of America stepped in to help Kevin get back on his feet with housing that felt like home and the onsite social services he needed to live life to the fullest.

To watch Kevin share his story, click the play button above or click the button below.